Apple TV+ Comedy "Small Prophets" Delivers Quirky Charm

Apple TV+ has released "Small Prophets," a six-episode British comedy series created, written, and directed by Mackenzie Crook. The show stars Pearce Quigley as Michael Sleep, a man grappling with the disappearance of his girlfriend seven years prior. The series centers on Michael's eccentric attempts to find closure, particularly through a peculiar method suggested by his father, Brian (Michael Palin).

Michael lives a solitary life, marked by his job at a home center, his strained relationship with his neighbor Clive (Jon Pointing), and regular visits to his father, Brian, who constructs elaborate Rube Goldberg machines. Michael's father proposes a method to uncover the truth about Clea's disappearance: growing homunculi, tiny prophets derived from a special recipe. Initially skeptical, Michael becomes invested when he discovers his father's journal, which contains the recipe and a photograph of a homunculus.

The series explores Michael's internal struggles with grief and delusion, as well as his developing friendship with a young cashier named Kacey (Lauren Patel). "Small Prophets" also touches upon Brian's declining cognitive state and Michael's efforts to manage his neighbor's demands. The show's creator, Mackenzie Crook, is noted for his ability to imbue the narrative with a quirky yet naturalistic feel, drawing comparisons to "The Big Door Prize."

Pearce Quigley's performance as Michael is highlighted for making the character relatable despite his eccentricities. The dynamic between Quigley and Michael Palin as father and son is also praised. The show's layered approach addresses themes of grief, aging, and personal connection within its six-episode season. "Small Prophets" is available for streaming on Apple TV+.